OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL

(a) The office of the inspector general is established under the direction of the board as an independent law enforcement agency and is responsible for preventing and investigating: (1) offenses committed by department employees and inmates; and (2) offenses committed at a facility operated by or under contract with the department or at any facility in which an individual in the custody of the department is housed or receives medical or mental health treatment, including: (A) unauthorized or illegal entry into a department facility; (B) the introduction of contraband into a department facility; (C) escape from a department facility and parole absconders; (D) organized criminal activity; and (E) violations of department policy or procedure. (b) The board shall employ a commissioned peace officer as the inspector general, who may be terminated by board action. (c) The inspector general may employ and commission peace officers for the purpose of carrying out the duties described by this section. (d) Peace officers employed and commissioned under Subsection (c) must: (1) be licensed as an officer under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code; and (2) complete advanced courses relating to the duties of peace officers employed and commissioned under Subsection (c) as part of any continuing education requirements for the peace officers. (e) The office of the inspector general shall work cooperatively with other law enforcement agencies while performing its duties under this section or other law.